Do you need some time space for yourself to deeply rest and re-set? Join experienced teachers Lucia and Sam for a restorative three-hour re-set. Our retreat afternoons take the form of a nurturing mindfulness practices, very gentle mindful movement and relaxation, followed by a beautiful sound bath with Sam. We’ll end with a cup of tea and some healthy-ish treats! A true replenishment for mind/body. ALL WELCOME.
“A perfect day of peace and relaxation as always Lucia. And Sam and her beautiful gongs were an absolute delight.”
We love teaching our half-day retreats which have been running in various forms - in-person, live steamed and across longer Guardian-recommended wellbeing weekends - for many years.
Accessible for most people, these nurturing three-hour sessions are a chance to rest deeply, slow down and re-connect to body and mind, allowing you to gently access the stillness that lies beneath the movement of thoughts, worries and ‘to do’ lists.
We will sink into calming practices such as guided relaxation (yoga nidra), accessible mindfulness and extremely gentle mindful movement, led by Lucia, followed by a beautiful hour-long sound bath led by sound practitioner and mediation teacher Sam. Sound baths / gong meditations support our physical & mental health in many ways, including helping us de-stress, to promote clarity and balance, helping us feel more centred and relaxed - and even reducing inflammation.
Teachings will be enriched by poetry or readings chosen to inspire and further invite us into an awareness of what lies beyond or own thoughts and preoccupations.
As a meditation and mindfulness-based afternoon our half-day retreats are geared towards those looking to pause, centre and give the all-important gift of self-care. Sessions will be suitable for most people who can get on and off the floor (eg a yoga mat) with reasonable ease.
Please note: there will be no traditional active yoga on this afternoon. See notes in right-hand column for further guidance on suitability. Many practices will be enjoyed lying down; options for posture will be given.
Herbal tea and almost healthy snacks will be provided at the end of the session where there will be a chance to connect with fellow students or to take this time to yourself.
“Relaxation is not laziness. It’s about finding balance and taking care of yourself.” - Elizabeth Scott
“Don’t forget to relax. You can’t pour from an empty cup.” – Eleanor Brown
“The mini retreat exceeded my expectations on so many levels and I returned feeling inspired to make small changes in my own daily routines. The practical aspects - the beautiful location, facilities - made for a calming and healthy setting as a backdrop. A sincere thank you.”
Next afternoon Relaxation and Sound Bath retreats:
Sunday May 18, 2025 (Lucia & Sam)
Sunday November 30, 2025 (Lucia & Lisa)
- from 2-5pm at Highwood Hall near Chelmsford.
relaxation, mindfulness, sound bath from 2-4.30pm
tea, chats, edible treats from 4.30-5pm
Price:
£49pp early bird / £55 standard
Early bird for November afternoon apply to bookings before September 30
Please note: we are strictly unable to refund or transfer places. Thanks for your understanding.
May 18 afternoon - book here:
Nov 30 afternoon - book here:
Further info:
No experience of meditation or relaxation practices is needed or expected.
You should be able to get on and off the floor.
Please be sure to contact us before booking if you are experiencing mild or severe anxiety of depression as this retreat may not be suitable.
Your teachers:
Lucia begun attending yoga classes in East London in her twenties. Drawn by its holistic, uncompetitive nature, and by how the practices made her body and mind feel, she went onto take a series of intensive yoga and mindfulness teacher trainings and has now been practising for 27 years and teaching for 17. She is fascinated, and motivated to teach, by the profoundly therapeutic benefits of gentle yoga and mindfulness practices.
Sam Bellis (www.belliswellbeing.net - May retreat day) is an experienced gong practitioner, having now taken four gong trainings in the UK and Thailand. Sam, who previously worked for the police, is also a meditation and somatic yoga teacher. She says: “I love to keep my practice current & fresh and am addicted to all things gongs!”.
Lisa Hands (November retreat day): Lisa's yoga journey began at the age of 18 and since then has been a constant through her life. She has trained in Hatha, Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra. Lisa is also a qualified Gong practitioner. She is passionate to convey how the mind, body and spirit can be nourished, cherished and loved through these wide-ranging practices. Lisa leads our popular Tuesday 7.30pm live stream beginners’ yoga class.